Orange Almond Loaf

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
45 min
Oven Temp
170°C / 340°F
Category
Cakes
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Orange almond loaf sliced on a white plate

There's something quietly comforting about a simple loaf cake, and this orange almond version is one I find myself making on repeat. It's the kind of recipe that doesn't try too hard — no heavy frostings or overly sweet flavors — just a soft, tender crumb infused with fresh orange and a delicate nuttiness from ground almonds.

What I love most about this loaf is its balance. It's gently sweet rather than sugary, with a bright citrus note that keeps it feeling light and refreshing. The orange zest brings a natural fragrance that fills the kitchen as it bakes, while the almonds give it a subtle richness and a beautifully moist texture. It's the kind of cake you can slice into in the morning with coffee, or enjoy slowly in the afternoon without it ever feeling too heavy.

It's also wonderfully simple to make. Everything comes together easily, with no complicated steps or special equipment, and in about an hour you have a golden loaf ready to cool on the counter. Finished with a handful of sliced almonds on top, it has just the right amount of texture and a rustic, homemade feel that makes it as inviting as it is delicious.

This is one of those everyday recipes — reliable, unfussy, and full of flavor — the kind you keep coming back to when you want something fresh, easy, and genuinely satisfying.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. Infuse the sugar: Rub the sugar and orange zest together until fragrant.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: Add flour, ground almonds, and baking powder. Mix well to combine.
  4. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, buttermilk, and orange juice until smooth.
  5. Combine: Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
  6. Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
  7. Bake: Bake for 40 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
  8. Cool: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Orange almond loaf with two slices cut
Close-up of orange almond loaf texture

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Orange almond loaf sliced

Orange Almond Loaf

A moist, fragrant loaf with nutty almond flavor and fresh citrus. Not overly sweet — perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
45 min
Oven Temp
170°C / 340°F
Category
Cakes

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 170°C (340°F). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. Infuse the sugar: Rub the sugar and orange zest together until fragrant.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: Add flour, ground almonds, and baking powder. Mix well to combine.
  4. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, buttermilk, and orange juice until smooth.
  5. Combine: Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).
  6. Prepare for baking: Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
  7. Bake: Bake for 40 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes to prevent over-browning.
  8. Cool: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

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